Arrivals into England from China will need to take a negative Covid test before flying, the government has confirmed.
The move was described as precautionary and temporary to further improve the UK’s ability to detect potential new variants of Covid from China.
Confirmation came amid a surge in Covid cases in China and follows similar travel restrictions imposed by countries such as the US, Italy, Spain and a number of nations in Asia.
Passengers arriving from China to England from January 5 will need to show a negative Covid-19 pre-departure test (PDT) taken no more than two days prior to departure.
“Although there are no direct flights from China to Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, we are working with devolved nations to ensure this is implemented UK-wide as soon as possible,” the government said.
The decision has been taken to introduce these measures specifically for China arrivals due to a lack of comprehensive health information shared by China. The situation remains under review and the UK is working with China on next steps. If there are improvements in information sharing and greater transparency then temporary measures will be reviewed.
Airlines will be required to check all passengers from China have negative pre-departure tests, and passengers will not be allowed to board a flight without providing evidence of a negative test result.
It follows the Chinese government lifting an almost three year ban on intentional travel from January 8.
The government said it “recognises the impact that temporary health measures have on the travel and aviation industry” adding that the testing requirements for travellers arriving from mainland China will be kept under regular review.
“Whilst there is currently no data to suggest there are previously unknown or potentially harmful variants circulating, the new surveillance measures will help detect them if they do arise,” a statement added.
But Business Travel Association chief executive Clive Wratten criticised the action.
He said: “The introduction of testing for passengers coming to the UK from China is a sucker punch to the entire travel industry.
“Business travel was expected to take-off from January but this is a huge step backwards for customer and corporate confidence.
“We urge the Department for Transport to reconsider introducing testing in favour of an enhanced sequencing programme on arrival. This alone will provide the data to protect the health of our nation rather than inching back towards being an isolated island.”
However, health and social care secretary Steve Barclay defended the action and said: “As Covid cases in China rise ahead of them reopening their borders next week, it is right for us to take a balanced and precautionary approach by announcing these temporary measures while we assess the data.
“This allows our world leading scientists at the UK Health Security Agency to gain rapid insight into potential new variants circulating in China.
“The best defence against the virus, however, remains the vaccine. NHS staff have done an incredible job delivering over 150 million jabs across the UK.
“It isn’t too late to come forward, for your first, second, third, or autumn booster – it’s quick and easy and you can book online, on the NHS app, or just turn up at one of the many walk-in centres across the UK.”
The Foreign Office also confirmed that China is experiencing its largest Covid-19 outbreak, “and there may be an increased risk of infection”.
Updated travel advice for British travellers to China said: “You should ensure you have a supply of medication for Covid-19 or flu-like symptoms.
“Covid-19 restrictions have been significantly relaxed, but some restrictions remain in place across mainland China. Even where restrictions have formally been lifted, local authorities and businesses may still require proof of a negative Covid-19 test result to access services.
“Although city-wide lockdowns have been lifted, further localised lockdowns may be imposed. You should check carefully before you travel, as local arrangements are liable to change at short notice.”
Separately, the Malaysian government re-imposed limited Covid-19 checks on entry to the country, saying that all travellers must undergo temperature screening.
The Foreign Office said in updated travel advice for Malaysia: “Those with a fever, who are otherwise symptomatic, or who have travelled to China within the last 14 days must take a Covid-19 RTK test at the airport before entry to the country.”